Srinagar, Sept 12: As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its first assembly elections in over a decade, residents of Lal Chowk in Srinagar are voicing their pressing concerns and aspirations for the future. In conversations with Rising Kashmir, locals outlined several critical issues they hope the new leadership will address.
One of the foremost concerns is the erratic water supply and inadequate sanitation services. Residents report frequent water shortages, particularly during the peak summer months, alongside inconsistent sanitation services that leave many areas in a state of neglect. Access to clean drinking water remains a significant challenge.
Power outages, especially during winter, are another major issue. Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Abi Guzar, highlighted the problem, stating, “Despite being in the city center, we experience regular power cuts that disrupt daily life and local businesses. The city’s designation as a ‘smart city’ seems ineffective when we face such frequent outages. This affects our lives and businesses, raising concerns about the reliability of the power supply”
In addition to utility issues, residents are troubled by inadequate parking and traffic congestion. The smart city project has led to the blocking of several roads or their conversion to pedestrian-only zones, which has hindered movement and negatively impacted local businesses. Public transportation, despite the introduction of smart city buses, remains a challenge, with high demand making it difficult for residents to secure rides after sunset.
The rising population of stray dogs in the area is also a growing concern, with residents urging authorities to take action to ensure public safety.
Residents of Lal Chowk hope that the upcoming elections will bring leaders who can effectively address these issues and implement meaningful improvements. “We have been promised changes before, but little has materialized,” said one resident. “This time, we need real solutions that enhance our quality of life and balance development with daily conveniences.”
